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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Loss Of Sense Of Smell And Altered Sense Of Taste?

My senses of smell and taste seem to have diminished recently. I am 81 years old and in generally good health. Two years ago I was diagnosed with bilateral subdural hematomas, which resulted in three procedures (two draining and another placement of a shunt). One of the hematomas seems to have resolved, but the other stubbornly persists, although I am fortunately asymptomatic. Do you think that these procedures could have been the cause of my loss of smell and taste?
Wed, 7 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello Dear. Loss of smell and taste can result from simple reasons like nasal congestion, allergy, sinus infection etc. If the trauma you sustained to the head, which resulted in subdural hematoma was severe enough to damage the cranial nerves then it may be the reason. But i feel less likely.

Some of the other causes are nasal polyps, exposure to toxic chemicals like pesticides, cocaine abuse, certain medications like antibiotics, anti-depressants etc

Old age. Like vision and hearing, your sense of smell can become weaker as you age. In fact, one's sense of smell is most keen between the ages of 30 and 60 and begins to decline after age 60.

Certain medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, nutritional deficiencies, congenital conditions, and hormonal disturbances can affect sense of smell and taste.

Radiation treatment of head and neck cancers.

Kindly consult an ENT surgeon and get evaluated.

Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you.
All the best
With warm regards
Dr Sanjay Kini


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What Causes Loss Of Sense Of Smell And Altered Sense Of Taste?

Hello Dear. Loss of smell and taste can result from simple reasons like nasal congestion, allergy, sinus infection etc. If the trauma you sustained to the head, which resulted in subdural hematoma was severe enough to damage the cranial nerves then it may be the reason. But i feel less likely. Some of the other causes are nasal polyps, exposure to toxic chemicals like pesticides, cocaine abuse, certain medications like antibiotics, anti-depressants etc Old age. Like vision and hearing, your sense of smell can become weaker as you age. In fact, one s sense of smell is most keen between the ages of 30 and 60 and begins to decline after age 60. Certain medical conditions, such as Alzheimer s disease, Parkinson s disease, multiple sclerosis, nutritional deficiencies, congenital conditions, and hormonal disturbances can affect sense of smell and taste. Radiation treatment of head and neck cancers. Kindly consult an ENT surgeon and get evaluated. Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you. All the best With warm regards Dr Sanjay Kini